'There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors.' 

– C.S. Lewis – The Screwtape Letters

One of the unusual things about the horror film genre is how it takes the two “errors” of Lewis’ quote and welds them together. The majority fans of, say, The Exorcist, somehow manage to be engrossed in the film and the way evil is portrayed, without seriously considering it to be true. Paradoxically, the demonic becomes engrossing to the point of triviality and entertainment

The Exorcism of Emily Rose is an ambitious film, seeking to break free of genre conventions and take things in a new direction. In fact The Exorcism of Emily Rose differs from your average supernatural horror flick in three major ways.

Firstly, it isn’t really horror film – at least not primarily. If you can put aside the marketing of the film and look at the film itself from an objective point of view, it is clear that the movie is first and foremost a courtroom drama. The film’s lead character is not the deeply troubled Emily, nor her priest Father Moore (Tom Wilkinson), but his lawyer Erin Bruner (Laura Linney). The film is almost entirely either Emily’s story being told to / by Erin, or what happens to her as she works on the case. The filmmakers work hard to make us identify with her – portraying her as an open minded sceptic and showing us nearly everything form her perspective, enhanced by numerous shots from her point of view.

It seems fairly likely then that the filmmakers want their audience to view these events though her eyes; to form a court in their minds and sift the evidence as it is presented. In other words, they are invited to sit as judge and jury on the story that unfolds, and draw their own conclusions on the evidence as it is presented.

This leads to the second way that The Exorcism of Emily Rose differs from a standard horror movie. Rather than providing the story purely for entertainment, this film wants its viewers to consider the reality or otherwise behind it and the genre. As noted above, the marketing for this film has promoted it as a horror film, even though this is not really the case. Whilst this may just be cynical advertising aimed at the film’s most likely demographic target, it is also possible that the filmmakers’ intend their picture to not only be seen by horror flick devotees, but also be considered by them. Perhaps they want the average supernatural film fan to consider what truth, if any, lies behind such films.

This brings us nicely to the third and final way in which this film stands out: Whereas most horror films are based on fictional narratives, this one is derived from actual events. Of course ‘based on a true story’ is an incredibly slippery term. The Perfect Storm (2000) made a similar claim, even though the correlation between the film and actual known events was little more than the results of the shipping forecast. That said, it appears that most of the story of The Exorcism of Emily Rose is, in this case, true, and that would certainly bolster the filmmakers’ case, although it is difficult to be certain.

The story revolves around Father Moore, a parish priest on trial for negligent homicide for his part in the exorcism of one of his parishioners – Emily Rose. His case is defended by Erin, who begins the film with an open, if sceptical, mind, but experiences some strange occurrences herself. Prosecuting is Ethan Thomas, himself a believer, but one who considers Father Moore’s negligence to be the direct cause of Emily’s death. Thus the film is not so much trying to prove or disprove Christianity per se, but is instead more of an exploration within Christianity of the role and existence of demon possession.

The film adds some nice touched here. As the prosecution makes its case, we often see parts of the event happening from different perspectives. Sometimes they reflect a supernatural perspective, at other times, the same event is shown from a more scientific / rational perspective.

The scientific explanation for Emily’s problem is that she suffered from a rare form of epilepsy. Interestingly enough, biblical scholars today debate these same two options regarding one of Jesus’s exorcisms in Mark 9, where the boy’s symptoms certainly seem to mirror those of epilepsy. The film refuses to back either explanation too heavily. Just as we experience Emily’s problems in a way that seems clearly demonic, a scientific explanation is given which appears to solve everything. Just as that is being digested, back comes the defence with a sufficiently robust rebuttal to leave the viewer reaching for the Rennie.

The film isn’t entirely balanced however. As noted above, the film is really about the defence lawyer, and in contrast we see very little from the prosecution’s perspective, save that which appears in court. Admittedly when prosecution attorney’ Ethan Thomas (played by Campbell Scott) explains his case to Bruner prior to the start of the trial, it is fairly convincing. However, thenceforth whereas Bruner is shown in three dimensions, Thomas is little more than a cardboard cut out. Furthermore, he is more self confident, assured an close minded than she is – personality traits likely to  distance him from the average viewer. Perhaps the most telling statistic in this regard would be the number of underhand comments or questions that the each lawyer makes before their opponent sustains an objection. Thomas’s count far outstrips Bruner’s.

This isn’t a major flaw however, and in the eyes of many viewers one far more forgivable than the relatively unsensational horror. The visual effects are good, and the strings section works overtime, but the film spends far too much time in the courtroom to be really terrifying. The fact that the events are in the past, and that the demonised Emily is dead also dissipates the tension somewhat. However, this hopefully won’t leave too many supernatural horror aficionados feeling short changed. Those unfamiliar with the genre will probably enjoy something a bit different, but not overpowering. When present the scary elements are certainly tense and well crafted, and the quizzical essence of the film makes it a far more substantial meal that the typical horror film. This film is actually about something, and will be far richer in the long run than a short lived adrenalin rush.

Ultimately the film revolves around the question of whether Emily’s death was the result of demon possession or a sever mental illness. In some ways it doesn’t mater which answer is correct. Both explanations ultimately derive from the enemy. However, whilst in cases like Emily he still wins, ultimately our accuser has been defeated.